Why Tankless Water Heaters are a Smart Investment for Your Home Plumbing System

If you’re considering upgrading your home’s plumbing system, a tankless water heater is worth considering. Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular and for a good reason. But are they a smart investment for your home plumbing system? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of tankless water heaters and why they may be the right choice for your home. 

What is a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater or instantaneous water heater, is a type of water heating system that heats water only as needed. Unlike traditional water heaters that store and constantly heat a large amount of water in a tank, tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank and heat water on demand.

When hot water is needed, cold water flows through the unit’s heat exchanger, which is heated by a gas burner or electric heating element. The heated water flows out of the unit and to the hot water faucet or appliance. Tankless water heaters can provide a continuous flow of hot water as long as the demand does not exceed the unit’s flow rate.

It’s important to note that tankless water heaters may not be the best choice for everyone. They can have a higher upfront cost than traditional water heaters, and they may not be able to provide enough hot water for larger households or homes with increased demand for hot water. Additionally, the installation process for a tankless water heater can be more complicated than a traditional water heater and may require additional electrical or gas work. It’s important to consult a professional plumber to determine if a tankless water heater is right for your home’s specific needs.

Types of tankless water heaters

There are two main types of tankless water heaters: electric and gas-powered.

1. Electric Tankless Water Heaters: These units are powered by electricity and use a heating element to heat the water. They are often smaller and more compact than gas-powered units, making them a good option for homes with limited space. They also tend to have a lower upfront cost than gas-powered units but may have higher operating costs over time due to the cost of electricity.
2. Gas-Powered Tankless Water Heaters: These units are powered by natural gas or propane and use a burner to heat the water. They can provide a higher flow rate than electric units, making them a good option for larger households or homes with increased demand for hot water. They also tend to be more energy efficient than electric units, although they may have a higher upfront cost.

Within these two main categories, there are also subtypes of tankless water heaters offering specific features and benefits. Some examples include:

• Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters: These units are designed to provide hot water to a specific faucet or appliance, such as a kitchen sink or shower. They are smaller and less powerful than whole-house units but can be a good option for homes with low hot water demand or supplemental hot water in certain areas of the house.
• Whole-House Tankless Water Heaters: These units are designed to provide hot water for the entire home. They can be either electric or gas-powered and typically have a higher flow rate than point-of-use units. They may be more expensive than point-of-use units but can provide hot water to multiple faucets and appliances at once.
• Condensing Tankless Water Heaters: These units are designed to be more energy efficient than traditional tankless water heaters. They use a secondary heat exchanger to extract additional heat from the combustion gases, resulting in higher efficiency and lower emissions.
• Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters: These units do not have a secondary heat exchanger and may have lower efficiency and higher emissions than condensing units. They may be a good option for homes with lower hot water demand or for a lower upfront cost.

Advantages of using a tankless water heater

• Energy Efficiency: Traditional tank-style water heaters constantly heat and reheat much water, even when unused. This results in wasted energy and higher energy bills. Tankless water heaters can save homeowners up to 30% on energy bills compared to traditional water heaters.
• Space-Saving Design: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters because they do not have a storage tank.
• Endless Hot Water: Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water if the demand does not exceed the unit’s flow rate.
• Longer Lifespan: Tankless water heaters typically last longer than traditional water heaters. They have a lifespan of up to 20 years, while traditional water heaters usually last between 10 and 15 years. This means that homeowners may save money on replacement costs over time.
• Reduced Risk of Water Damage: Traditional water heaters risk leaking and causing water damage, especially if the tank ruptures. Tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank, so the risk of water damage is significantly reduced.
• Cleaner Water: Because tankless water heaters do not store water, there is less opportunity for bacteria and sediment buildup. This can result in cleaner and healthier water for homeowners.
• Cost-Effective: Tankless water heaters may cost more upfront than traditional water heaters. However, they can be more cost-effective over time due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan.

How do you choose the right tankless water heater for your home?

Choosing the right tankless water heater for your home requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some of the key factors to consider:

• Fuel Source: Tankless water heaters can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. If your home cannot access natural gas, consider an electric or propane-powered unit.
• Flow Rate: The flow rate of a tankless water heater determines how much hot water it can provide at one time. Choosing a unit with a flow rate that can meet your home’s hot water demands is important. To determine the appropriate flow rate for your home, consider the number of people in your household, the number of bathrooms, and the number of hot water appliances that will be used simultaneously.
• Size: Choose a unit appropriate for your home’s size and hot water needs. A smaller unit may be sufficient if you have a small house with low hot water demand. A larger unit may be necessary for larger homes with high hot water demand.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for a tankless water heater that is energy-efficient. This will not only help you save money on energy bills, but it will also reduce your home’s environmental impact. Energy-efficient units may be more expensive upfront but can save money over time.
• Cost:  While tankless water heaters may have a higher upfront cost than traditional water heaters, they can be more cost-effective over time due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. Consider the upfront cost, as well as the potential savings over time, when choosing a unit.
• Brand and Warranty: Finally, consider the brand and warranty of the tankless water heater. Choose a reputable brand with a good track record of quality and reliability. Look for a unit with a warranty that covers parts and labor for several years.

Choosing the right tankless water heater for your home requires careful consideration of several factors. Consult with a professional plumber to help you determine the appropriate unit for your home’s needs.

What to Expect During a Professional Installment of a Tankless Water Heater

The plumber will first assess your home’s hot water needs to determine the right size and model of tankless water heater for your household. They will also evaluate your home’s electrical or gas systems to ensure the unit can be installed safely.

The plumber will prepare the installation area by turning off the water, gas, or electricity to your old water heater. They will also disconnect and remove the old unit from the installation area. The plumber will install the tankless water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. This typically involves mounting the unit on a wall, connecting it to your home’s electrical or gas systems, and installing new water and gas lines.

Once the installation is complete, the plumber will test the unit to ensure it operates correctly. They will check the water temperature, pressure, and flow rate and check for any leaks or other issues. After the installation and testing, the plumber will clean up the work area and remove any debris or old materials. They will also dispose of the old water heater in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Finally, the plumber will provide instructions on operating and maintaining your new tankless water heater. They will explain how to adjust the temperature and flush the unit periodically to prevent scale buildup and any other important information.

Conclusion

A tankless water heater is an excellent investment for your home plumbing system. It provides greater energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, and a more compact design than traditional tank-style water heaters. With the right unit and professional installation, you can enjoy endless hot water on demand and lower energy bills. Texas Blessed Plumbing is committed to providing high-quality tankless water heater installations and repairs to homes in the Irving, Texas, area. Contact them today to learn more about how they can help you upgrade your home’s plumbing system and enjoy the benefits of a tankless water heater!